acanthocytosis
A laboratory technician examines a blood smear showing acanthocytosis under a microscope.
Noun: A medical condition characterized by the abnormal presence of acanthocytes in the bloodstream. Acanthocytes are red blood cells with a spiky, thorny appearance due to irregular projections from their surface.
This term is used exclusively in medical contexts to describe a specific hematological finding. It is often associated with underlying disorders affecting lipid metabolism or the structure of red blood cell membranes. - The patient's blood smear revealed acanthocytosis, prompting further investigation. - Acanthocytosis is a key diagnostic feature of abetalipoproteinemia.
- As a diagnostic marker: The condition of acanthocytosis itself is not a disease but a sign of an underlying pathological state.
- The neurologist noted that the acanthocytosis was consistent with the suspected diagnosis of chorea-acanthocytosis syndrome.
- Acanthocyte (noun): The individual abnormal red blood cell with spiny projections. This is the cell type whose presence defines the condition.
- Under the microscope, the acanthocytes were clearly visible.
This word has a single, specific meaning in medical terminology. There are no common non-medical meanings.
- Spur cell anemia (This is a specific, synonymous term used when acanthocytosis is severe enough to cause anemia.)
Not applicable. This is a technical medical term and is not used in idiomatic expressions.
Not applicable. This is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.
A laboratory technician examines a blood smear showing acanthocytosis under a microscope.
- the presence of acanthocytes in the blood stream (as in abetalipoproteinemia)